Mr. Ridge has repeatedly described that budget as a good start for the agency.

Mr. Ridge has also spent his first weeks trying to take his cause to private industry.

Mr. Ridge did not say how much the budget proposal would offer.

Mr. Ridge often pointed out that the department has no authority to order businesses to do anything.

Mr. Ridge is to produce a comprehensive domestic security plan in the next few months.

Mr. Ridge, not a particularly partisan governor, is especially popular here.

Mr. Ridge does not head a department and can only make budget recommendations.

Mr. Ridge put one of his highest priorities on the public health system.

Mr. Ridge was a congressman for 12 years before he became governor in 1995.

Mr. Ridge wants to keep the money in and, if the past is prologue, he will fight.